Chapter 22: Hero Names
"So, do you have any ideas?"
"Hm… that would be tricky…"
It is the night of my last day of break as I contacted my brother. Muscles are still aching over the Sports Festival, but I can still move well enough to make a Skype call on my laptop. On the first day, in celebration of me getting third place, mom has bought over some cake from the pretty well-known cake shop near her workplace, that I gladly demolished within minutes, which is then followed by Taikou calling me over for an improv party by his uncle's apartment's tenants that lasted into the night.
Shinsou was invited, but he sadly didn't show up.
The morning afterwards is when the muscle aches really starts to settle in, rendering me bedbound for most of the day. Dad is pretty busy over the break, heading back to school for reasons he isn't allowed to tell me, but I have the feeling that it has something to do with the upcoming Workplace Internship.
The upcoming arc is the one that focuses on Stain as the main antagonist, and brought up the question of 'what is a Hero'. And it mostly deals with Iida seeking to take revenge upon the Villain for putting his brother in a wheelchair and ending his Hero career. In the end, Midoriya steps in to save him from self-destruction along with Todoroki before the three of them worked together and took him down.
At least, that would be the case, if weren't for the simple fact that Ingenium didn't get attacked by Stain.
Not sure if it is due to the butterfly effect, but Ingenium wasn't in Hosu when Stain made his move, which results in another Hero getting the blade instead of him. When the news reported on Stain and the victim is not him but some random Hero from the same town, I knew I have to rewrite my entire plan for this arc, which includes that fact that someone has to deal with Stain before it is too late.
The only reason Stain was caught in the first place isn't just that Iida butt in on one of his 'hunts' and was actively hunting him down, it is also that his quirk got found out and that made him panic to try and deal with them which leads to him making many mistakes and in the end, causes his downfall.
Or it could be Midoriya's plot armor at work, who knows?
Regardless, it meant that the only person who can deal with Stain is someone who is actively searching for him AND knows the workings of his quirk and how to deal with it.
And the only other person who knows his quirk besides Stain himself, is me.
Which means I have to be the one to hunt him down.
Now, normally, that would be a dumb idea. I'm still just a Hero-in-training, a student who should have no right to deal with such things like taking down a Villain, especially someone who got called the Hero Killer.
But I might be the only one that has a shot in taking him down. Without Iida actively seeking revenge on him, Stain wouldn't be stopped. Sure, in time, Heroes would eventually manage to track him and take him into custody, but when would that happen? And how many people would be killed by him before that happens?
And with All Might's retirement just a couple of months away, who knows what would happen if he is still loose on the streets by the time All-For-One clash with the Symbol of Peace one last time? How could the crazed killer make sense to the world without All Might?
Too many variables and too many ways for things to fall into chaos. If there's a chance that taking Stain down as soon as possible would save more lives in the long run, then I have to take that dive and deal with the problem.
And that leads to the reason I have called my brother up. If I were to have any chance in dealing with Stain, I need to first deal with the biggest flaw my quirk has posed to me. How to charge my quirk more effectively besides storing batteries in my pocket to use. Hopefully, Tetsu has some idea on how to deal with it.
"To be honest, your quirk's handicap has been on my mind since you stated that you wanted to be Hero like dad." He tells me, "But I still haven't been able to come up with a solution for it."
"Come on, Tetsu. There has to be something. Don't you have any gadget that can solve that problem?"
"Not to my knowledge…" My brother muses for a moment, "To start, electrical currents aren't that easy to create in the first place. And to make it in a size that would not complicate your movements? That's pretty much impossible."
"Damn it. Is there even a way for me to work around it?" I state out in frustration, "Electrical currents… electrical currents… what are electrical currents, anyway?"
"If you are talking about lightning, then it is simply electrons jumping from a positive charged cloud to a neutrally charged object."
"Ah, right. Wait, isn't that the same explanation as static electricity?"
"Yeah-hey… wait, I just… it might… hey, you might be on to something there!"
Seeing my brother be this excited must be a good thing. The last time this happens was when he got an idea for the gadget that got him that job on I-Island.
"Static electricity has higher voltage than a normal current, and it could generate using multitude of ways… if I… maybe with the… yeah… yeah, yeah, yeah! That might be it!"
"What might be it?" I asked curiously, "Did you come up with an idea?"
"I think I might just have! You see…"
The rest of the night is all Tetsu talking my head off about some schematics and science thing, but the end result is the fact that he knows how to work around my quirk's handicap.
The first day of school since the break is a wet one.
Since early in the morning, rain has start pouring down relentlessly. By the time I reach the gate, my socks are completely soaked through.
Although this morning was a bit… unique to say the least.
Not sure it is due to me mostly staying at home from most of my break, but whenever I got into a crowded area, people just start congratulating me over the Sport Festival, even cheering me on for my future career.
Heck, I think there are a few students from other high schools who greeted me like they are meeting their celebrity crush for some reason. Heck, one of them even ask if they could shake my hand and take a selfie with them.
Not that I dislike the attention, but the sudden influx of people getting interested in me is a little off-putting.
"Good morning, Tatsuya-chan!"
"Morning, Genko-chan."
"Morning, Hagakure-san. Tsuyu-chan."
I greeted my classmates as I made my way to my seat. There are murmurs all around me, all talking about their new-found fame among the public with various degrees of compliments, or consultation in the case of Sero.
"All those grade schoolers just told me I made a good effort…"
"Good effort, Sero-kun."
"A-Asui-san… come on…"
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Hagakure states in awe, "One little event, and suddenly the world got its eye on us. As expected of Yuuei!"
"Yeah, definitely." I stated with a nod, "I myself got asked to take a few selfies with a couple of students on the way here. It is honestly really embarrassing."
"Wow, you sure are popular!" She said before sighing, "All they did is stare at me on the train."
"Well, you did go topless on the Cavalry Battle in public…"
As if on que, the bell rang and Aizawa walks in right on time; the class immediately returns to our seats within seconds.
"Morning."
"""Good morning, Aizawa-sensei!"""
"Hm? Aizawa-sensei, your bandages are off." Tsuyu commented.
"That old lady's treatment is way too excessive for a fracture…" He stated, scratching the scars under his eyes, "But never mind that now. This morning, we have got Hero Informatics class. And a special one at that."
A tense atmosphere immediately filled the room. Everyone is waiting anxiously in their seats for what kind of special class our stoic homeroom teacher is going to spring on us.
Well, I already know what that is going to be, though.
"…You'll be coming up with your Hero names."
""Something Heroic has come!""
A quick glare from Eraserhead and everyone calms back down into their seats.
"But before we proceed, there are some things I wish to address first." He explains, "It is concerning the Pros scouting reports I've mentioned the other day. It's based on who the Pros think will be ready to join the Hero Workforce after another two to three years of experience, so you can say that it's a way for them to show interest in your futures. But there's ample time for their interest to wane before you graduate, and any and all offers can be arbitrary revoked at any given time."
"Talk about harsh…" Jirou mutters out.
"So, if we're picked now, that just means that there'll be higher hurdles to in the years to come!" Hagakure concluded.
"Yes, that is correct." Aizawa nodded, "With that being said, here's the total number of scouting reports for this class." With a click of a button, part of the blackboard spun around to reveal a screen where the numbers are shown along with a bar chart.
It is as follows:
Todoroki: 4123
Bakugou: 3556
Midoriya: 3404
Tokoyami: 360
Iida: 302
Kaminari: 272
Tatsuya: 265
Yaoyarozu: 108
Kirishima: 68
Ojirou: 50
Uraraka: 20
Sero: 14
"Normally, there's a more even spread of numbers, but three of them stole most of them."
"Gah! They are in a whole different league…!" Kaminari groans in disappointment.
"These Pros has no eye for talent~!" Aoyama huffed.
"But isn't the first and second place backwards?" Kirishima points out.
"They are probably just scared of the guy who has to be literally chained to the winner stand." Sero noted.
"What the heck are the Pros doing getting intimidated!?" Bakugou screamed out in anger.
"I'm surprised you didn't get as much as Midoriya-kun, Tatsuya-chan." Hagakure points out, "You were in third place, too."
"I'm not surprised." I stated, "Aside from the Obstacle Race, I didn't really stand out much in the Cavalry Battle, and my matches in the tournament aren't that cool-looking as Midoriya's. Not to mention I got completely annihilated by Todoroki-san."
"It's still awesome that you got that many to begin with."
"I…I got offers…"
I glanced back at the freckled teen, who looks to be ready to burst into tears at a given moment. That's a given, with how well he used his Full-Cowl against both Shinsou and Todoroki. But I didn't expect him have that many…
"With all of that settled, whether or not you got picked, you will have a chance to work alongside the Pro Heroes." Aizawa announced, getting everyone's attention at once, "One week from now, you are all to embark on your Workplace Internships. While you are more experienced in the field than most your age group, it is still worthwhile for you to work alongside the Pros in the field."
"And that's where our Hero names come in!" Satou stated excitedly.
"This is getting really fun!" Uraraka says happily.
"They are only tentative, but you still want to pick something appropriate." He explains, "Otherwise–"
"–you'll live to regret it!"
The door to the classroom slides open, and on cue Midnight walks in with all the sex appeal her outfit AND figure provides. Even the way she walks, she is emphasizing her good points, mostly her bountiful and shapely bust and full hips.
"The name you picked now may be what the world ends up calling you. That has happened to many Pros out there!"
"Yes, true enough." Aizawa nodded, "And Midnight here will be assessing the sensibility of the names you picked; because I'm sure not cut out for that."
He then picks up his sleeping bag and snuggles inside for a nap, but not without some final words, "What future you do you see yourself in? The name you choose will bring you ever closer to cementing that certain image, because names are capable of reflecting one's true character. Like 'All Might' for example."
With that said, he proceeds to snooze away while Midnight pass out whiteboards for us to write our future Hero names in.
I already have a name in mind. After all, it is the whole reason I want to become a Hero in the first place. But as I wrote down the name, I start to think about it a bit more.
It was my dream and end goal to be like dad, to become the next Hermes and carry on his heroic legacy, but what does that even mean? Do I inherit the name of Hermes like Iida with his family's legacy? Or maybe something more?
Back when I was ten, when I asked dad if I could have his Hero name when I became one, he never said no to it, but he didn't agree to it either. If anything, all he said was:
"Try to be the Hero YOU want to be first."
"The Hero I want to be…"
Those words echoed in my mind as the sounds of squeaky markers starts to die down. On my board is just the letters HERMES written in bold English. Is there something more to it? Is my dream really just to be the next Hermes?
With that in mind, I immediately erased it and write down a new name, one that me and Taikou has considered for my Hero name if the whole Hermes thing didn't work out.
"Alright! Looks like everyone has finished!" Midnight survey the room before announcing, "Let's start with whoever's ready first!"
Wait, we have to present the names to everyone in class!? Oh man, I'm not looking forward to that. If there's one thing I'm really bad at, that would definitely be public speaking.
Unsurprisingly, Aoyama is the one that comes up to the podium first, with as much confidence as he has sparkles floating around him. Still not sure if that's a side effect of his quirk or my hallucination.
"Here I go…" With much grandiose, he presents his Hero name to us, "Shining Hero: I-Cannot-Stop-Twinkling!"
"""That's a whole sentence!"""
Okay, I knew Aoyama is going to one heck of a character, even when I didn't know about the whole plot, but I couldn't prepare myself for his character. The guy is just a walking model that is just desiring attention.
"It'll be easier to say if you take out the 'I' and contract 'cannot' into 'can't'."
"Ah, I see! Thank you, mademoiselle!"
Also, is the guy French or English? His accent screams British, but his mannerism is European than anything else. My mom has a similar in that sense, so maybe?
"Okay! I'm next!" Ashido joyfully skips to the podium and presents her name, "Acid Hero: Alien Queen!"
Well, someone's a fan of the classics! But not sure if that's a proper Hero name…
"From the sequel!? Is it because her acid blood!? It's best if you don't use that…!"
"Tch~"
I'm glad Nemuri-nee agrees with me on that front, no matter how fitting that may be. But thanks to those two, the air is kind of tense, like on those variety shows on TV.
"Kero. Can I go next, please?" Tsuyu asked all of the sudden. After Midnight accepts, she walks up to the podium and presents her name, "I've had this thought out since elementary school. Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."
"Oh, that sounds so cute!" Midnight squeals with joy, "It makes you sound like you'd be easy to get to know! Take notes, the rest of you! This is a perfectly lovable name!"
"Go, Froppy!"
Everyone cheers her name in thanks for turning the mood back around. At least now, we can present our names without feeling too awkward!
Next in line is Kirishima, who proudly proclaims his name, "This is me! The Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"
"Ah! Red Riot! Could it be a homage to the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot?" Midnight asked.
"Right!" The redhead nodded with a little blush on his cheeks, "I know he's a little old school, but Crimson Riot is the kind of Hero I wanted to be!"
"Heh… just knowing that bearing the name of your personal Hero comes with a lot of pressure. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes, I am!"
Oh yeah, he did have a personal hero, didn't he? It was one of the defining parts of his backstory and motivation. I guess Kirishima and me are the same in that regards. Crimson Riot to him is like dad is to me. And he is willingly to go as far as to model his Hero name after his.
Kind of like me.
Maybe I am right to write this name down…
After that, we have plenty of interesting names that reflects our classmates' personality and quirks.
From Jirou's Earphone Jack to Sero's Cellophane, everyone has some kind of Hero name that suits them like a glove. Even Hagakure's unoriginal Invisible Girl fits her to a tee, though I wonder if that name is already taken…
Well, Todoroki just use his first name, so I guess that's fair at least.
And then we get to Bakugou and…
"King Explosion Murder."
"It'll be best if you do not use that."
"Why not!?"
Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was expecting out of him. I wonder how he managed to name his attacks so well but sucks at his own Hero name. Heck, at least Aoyama's a complete sentence! His is just a bunch of words that would sound cool together!
"Oh, this is going along so well!" Midnight states with a smile, "All that's left, beside Bakugou's revision, are Iida, Tatsuya, and Midoriya."
I swallowed my saliva at that, before bracing myself and walking up to the podium. With a controlled breath, and announces my name to everyone to see.
"Whirlwind Hero: Tempest! That is my name!"
"Oh? And not Hermes?" Midnight asked me, "I thought that was your dream?"
"I still want to be a Hero like dad, like Hermes." I explains, "But at the same time, I don't want to BECOME him. I want to be a Hero that could SUCCEED him, to succeed Hermes. If dad is to be the messenger in the winds, then I'll be the winds itself!"
"…Hmhm, I see, I see…" She giggles, "Well, I look forward to that."
The rest of the class proceeds on like in canon, like Izuku going with the Hero name Deku, with the exception that Iida decides to use the name Ingenium as a show of conviction as the one who would inherit his family's mantle.
And like usual…
"Lord Explosion Murder!"
"Still no, Bakugou. Try again!"
"Come the fuck on!"
Yup, still have no idea why his naming sense for his alias is so shitty.
…
To Be Continued…
Omake
"Hey, Genko! Come look at this!"
Genko looks up from her meal of sweets to face her childhood friend in confusion, "What is it, Taikou?"
"Just come look!"
With a shrug of her shoulders, she made her way toward him who is chuckling nonstop while hunched over his phone, which is playing a certain clip.
A snot escapes her lips as she watches the snippet of Bakugou's spectacular faceplanting at the end of the Cavalry Battle, only it is to some music tone that she isn't familiar with but is surprisingly fitting.
"Oh, but there's more!"
She couldn't withhold her laughter when she saws all the memes surround that single clip. 'Oh man, he is going to be so pissed when he finds out!'
Oh yes! This fic is back!
Now that I have settle with my Shield Hero fic's prologue, I can now return to updating my few favourite fics! And how fitting it is to update this just as Season 4 is airing!
And yes, this is the Hero names chapter, where we get to know what is Genko's Hero name! Trust me, this is one chapter I have a lot of trouble with, mostly with what kind of name I want her to have!
But with this, I'm back in the BNHA fanfic business! Look forward to more chapters soon!
With that, I thank you for reading this!
